The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PRELATE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
R
E
L
A
T
E
More clues leading to the result PRELATE
- Pressure on recount for dignitary
- High-ranking ecclesiastic not yet dead, can one infer?
- Ecclesiastic punctual, it's implied?
- Dignitary could be said to be on time?
- Quietly tell ecclesiastical dignitary
- Senior churchman makes parson sympathise
- Bishop on time, it’s suggested?
- High churchman on time?
- Marriage guidance organisation led by quiet priest
- Cleric quietly joining agency to help married couples
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Dignitary" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case dignitary = prelate.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PRELATE mean?
PRELATE noun- A clergyman of high rank and authority, having jurisdiction over an area or a group of people; normally a bishop.
- To act as a prelate.